What’s to love
The former site of a du Pont family dairy farm, Brandywine Creek State Park is home to two of the first nature preserves in Delaware: Tulip Tree Woods, a stand of 190 year-old Tulip poplars, and the Freshwater Marsh, located adjacent to the creek on the west side.
Typical Delaware State Park fees apply—$4 for DE license plates and $8 for PA between March 1st and November 30th—so remember to bring cash. But once you’re inside the park there’s plenty to explore, from creekside trails to wild meadows to a nature center with gift shop where you can pick up a frisbee for the disc golf course.
Tips and quirks
- The Brandywine Creek can only be crossed in one place: at Thompsons Bridge Road. Both sides of the creek have 3-ish mile-long hiking loops. Just be aware that if you cross the creek, you’ll have to go back the same way you came.
- On the west side, the Hidden Pond trail follows the creek. You can sometimes see beaver activity along the water’s edge.
- On the east side, the Rocky Run trail takes you through a grove of evergreen trees and up a somewhat steep climb. This is my favorite trail of the bunch I’ve hiked—pretty, quiet, and just challenging enough to raise your heart rate.
- Trails on the east side hook up to a huge network of unnamed trails on the property of the First State National Historical Park. Learn more here and download an extra trail map of this section.
- There’s also a designated spot for watching migrating hawks, who pass through the area from mid-September to mid-November.
Spotted here recently (via
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Last updated: April 16, 2021
A small disclaimer: This website is not affilitated with the City of Philadelphia, its parks department, local non-profits, or any state or federal organization. Opinions reflected here are solely the author's: a regular person who happens to enjoy hiking. Like all outdoor activities, hiking carries some risks (including medical and personal safety risks) and requires preparation and supplies. Routes and conditions may have changed since this post was written. Make sure you follow all posted rules and local laws, as certain activities (like off-leash dogs or leaving marked trails) are frequently prohibitied.
